The short answer to “What is Country Code 97?” is that it does not belong to any single country.
Instead, +97 serves as the prefix for a block of three-digit International Country Calling Codes assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to a cluster of nations, primarily located in the Middle East and Central Asia. These codes range from +970 through +979.
If you have a phone number starting with +97, you need to look at the fourth digit to determine the exact destination of the call. This article provides the complete list of +97x country codes and guides you on how to dial them safely and correctly.
The Complete List of +97x Country Codes
The +97 block is a vital part of the global numbering scheme. Here is a definitive list of the three-digit codes that begin with 97:
| Country Code | Country or Territory | Primary Location |
| +970 | Palestine (State of Palestine) | Middle East |
| +971 | United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Middle East |
| +972 | Israel | Middle East |
| +973 | Bahrain | Middle East |
| +974 | Qatar | Middle East |
| +975 | Bhutan | Central Asia |
| +976 | Mongolia | Central Asia |
| +977 | Nepal | Central Asia |
| +978 | Unassigned (Formerly Dubai, now +971) | Middle East |
| +979 | International Premium Rate Service (Formerly Abu Dhabi, now +971) | Global |
Key Takeaway: If you receive a call starting with 97, the next digit determines the country of origin. For example, a call from Dubai will begin with +971.
How to Dial Using a +97x Country Code
To successfully reach any of the countries in the +97x block, you must use the following international dialing format:
Example: Calling the United Arab Emirates (+971)
| Step | Action | Example (Calling from the US) |
| 1. Dial Exit Code | The international access code for your location (e.g., 011 for US/Canada). Use + on a mobile. | 011 |
| 2. Dial Country Code | The required 3-digit country code. | 971 |
| 3. Dial Local/Area Code | The geographic code within the country (e.g., 4 for Dubai, 2 for Abu Dhabi). | 4 |
| 4. Dial Subscriber Number | The local 7-digit phone number. | XXX XXXX |
| Full Dialing Sequence (Mobile): | +971 4 XXX XXXX |
Crucial Note on Time: Always check the time difference. Most +97x countries are several hours ahead of North American time zones. Calling the UAE, for instance, means calling a country that is 8 hours ahead of EST (UTC+4).
Safety Warning: Scams from International Codes
The proliferation of spoofing and scam calls means you should be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls from any international number, including those in the +97x block.
Types of Scams to Watch For
- Financial Fraud: Scammers often pretend to be banks, government officials, or technical support representatives from these regions, claiming your account has been compromised or you owe a fee.
- Wangiri (One-Ring) Scam: While more common with Caribbean codes, any unknown international number that rings once and hangs up is bait for a premium-rate callback scam.
Protect Yourself
- Do Not Answer: If you do not recognize the international number, let it go to voicemail.
- Verify Identity: If the caller claims to be from a bank or company, hang up and call the organization back using a known, official number (not the number that called you).
- Monitor Charges: If you call back a suspicious number, check your next phone bill immediately for unauthorized international charges and contact your phone carrier to dispute them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Country Code +979?
+979 is officially designated by the ITU as an International Premium Rate Service code. This means calls to this prefix are typically charged at a very high rate, analogous to a premium 1-900 number in North America. This code was formerly assigned to the Abu Dhabi region of the UAE, but the number block is now reserved globally for premium services.
Is Country Code 972 the same as 970?
No, they are distinct codes. +972 belongs to Israel, and +970 is reserved for the Palestinian Authority. Due to the regional nature of their telecommunication networks, some numbers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip may route through the +972 infrastructure, but the designated code is +970.
What is the time difference for +977 (Nepal)?
Nepal (+977) operates on its own unique time zone, which is UTC+5:45. This makes it an unusual time zone and means you must calculate the difference carefully; for instance, Nepal is typically 9 hours and 45 minutes ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Conclusion
The prefix Country Code 97 is the gateway to a block of country codes spanning key regions of the Middle East and Central Asia. The most commonly dialed codes are +971 (UAE), +972 (Israel), and +974 (Qatar). Remember to use your international exit code, the full three-digit country code, and remain vigilant against potential international phone scams.
